One early Thursday morning, I stood outside my Brooklyn apartment, questioning whether I should call an Uber, but I eventually decided against it. It was the first balmy yet brisk morning that only spring can summon, and I was going to take the subway into Manhattan to soak it all in before it shifted again. Besides, when was the last time I rode into the city and went into a physical retail store, IRL? Within an hour, I’d made it to H&M’s flagship New York location, tucked on the bustling corner of New York’s Fifth Avenue. Upon entering the store, spring’s grand arrival truly made itself known, and I was thrilled to try on the high-street brand’s coveted drop of seasonal essentials. I was especially excited to touch and feel all the studded pieces I had been seeing online.
While I often steer clear of bright colors and ultra-feminine details, warmer weather always gets the best of me, and I can’t help but indulge in the season’s sensibilities. Throughout my morning visit, I discovered the missing gaps from my wardrobe: snakeskin mules, a flouncy butter yellow maxiskirt and blouse combo, a super chic lightweight suede jacket, and a variety of chic crochet pieces—hello, crafty minimalism!
Ahead, the key pieces to buy from H&M’s spring edit, plus some additional items you can wear now, and later.
Countryside Codes, Modernized
The barn jacket has come a long way from its function-first origins. In my eyes, you can never have too many transitional layers during spring—they are essential for those temperature drops and windy days. I paired this cotton one with eye-catching studded jeans, a suede bag, and snakeskin mules to take the countryside to the new age.
A Touch of Crochet
Fringe, texture, and crochet can add a refreshed level of interest to any minimalist-leaning ensemble. Just take a look at how a crocheted tunic (or cardigan, as linked beloved) brings a hint of novelty to an otherwise pared-back look. I can already picture H&M enthusiasts stocking up on the crochet shorts, dresses, and bags available on the site now.
Where Boho Meets Edgy
You can never go wrong with a white dress during spring and summer. The versatile piece, from the high street to luxury brands, serves as a foundational item for any footwear, trending handbag, and layering option on the market. For me, I gravitated toward adding a bit of edge with studs and some beachy texture with a raffia ballet flat.
Leather Weather
You may think of leather as a winter-only option, but I’m here to change your mind! H&M’s buttery coated cargo dress would look just as chic layered over a pair of white linen trousers as it would by itself. I decided to embrace the edgy tones and teamed mine with the coordinating coated pencil skirt. Not into double leather? Wear a billowy boho boho blouse or white poplin shirt with your skirt. Chic.
Let the Sunshine In
If you were to take a look into my wardrobe, which is contained wall-to-wall in a spare bedroom, you’d notice a color wheel of brown, cream, white, and black. But once I spotted H&M’s buttery yellow chiffon set, I knew it belonged in my wardrobe. It’s the ideal easy-breezy set for laid-back weekends, beach trips, and boat days alike.
Seasonal Suede
Fall may be far behind us, but I’m not yet willing to set aside my favorite sumptuous suede pieces. I thought I was getting over the craze, but this lightweight suede jacket caught my eye instantly. The material is baby-soft and feels extremely well-made. When I slid it on with a pair of cream jeans, it was clear this was a must-have item from the spring drop. Make it seasonally appropriate with leather slides and a braided bag.
